June 25 - July 1, 2012 Issue

Gov Don't Leave

LP, Ugyon Brgy. Captains sign letter supporting Tanco's governorship

By Edalyn Acta

ROXAS CITY - Alfredo Albaladejo, barangay captain of Tiza, along with other barangay captains in this city recently asked Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. to run for the same position in the next election.

In a letter addressed to Tanco, Albaladejo, member of the Liberal Party (LP) expressed his preference for Tanco, who is currently serving his second term as governor, to run for his third in 2013.

Albaladejo, vice-president of the city's Liga ng mga Barangay (Liga),  said that most of the projects in his barangay including road concreting and the construction of streetlights, health center and comfort room for senior citizens, were made possible because of Tanco.

"If Tanco becomes congressman of the second district of Capiz, how can our barangay avail itself of more projects? Besides, he still has one more term as governor," Albaladejo said.

Albaladejo added that at first, he sought to keep his sentiment a secret. But while drafting the letter at the Liga Office at the Roxas City Hall, Liga President Maria Capapas and other barangay captains saw it and later expressed their desire to sign the same.

Meanwhile, Manuel Aninang, barangay captain of Olotayan, Roxas City said that when learned from his fellow barangay captians about Albaladejo's letter, he came forward with Barangay Capt. Ildefonso Tobillo of Brgy. 3 to show support to Albaladejo's "cause" and expressed their desire to sign the letter. Aninang said they also represented 14 other barangay captains belonging to Ugyon Kita Capiz.

In an interview with reporters at the launch of Barangay Tiza Health Center on June 29, Tanco said he is pleased to hear from those who are not his allies pledging support for his reelection.

"If I were still their governor, there would be less conflict. So I feel grateful to them; and I might come out to be the common candidate of those belonging to the administration and the opposition," Tanco said.

According to Albaladejo, some sources said that Tanco will run for congressman in the second district of Capiz against former Cong. Fredenil Castro, who is reportedly "taking over" the seat of his wife, incumbent second district Rep. Jane Castro.

In the 2010 polls, then three-termer Castro fielded his wife instead for the position.

CSC monitors anti-red tape campaign

By Jemin Guillermo

ROXAS CITY - To ensure government offices' compliance of the Anti-Red Tape law and the delivery of their frontline services even at noon time, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) is continuing its on-the-spot inspection of government offices in Capiz.


Capiz CSC Director Maria Lina Gonzaga said that the monitoring of compliance by the different government offices is done in accordance with the Republic Act 9485, or ARTA of 2007.

According to Gonzaga, the ARTA Watcher is particularly monitoring the existence of the "No Lunch Break, Anti-Fixer Campaign, No Smoking Policy;" a priority lane for the senior citizens, pregnant women and differently-abled persons; poster or signage, and the wearing of ARTA identification cards by the employees.

In every frontline office, there should also be a Public Assistance or Complaint Desk or a notice informing the client whom to approach for queries, complaints, comments or recommendations, Gonzaga said.

Gonzaga said that the implementation of the ARTA Watch seeks to improve the efficiency in the delivery of government service to the public through a sustained program that will intensify public awareness of the ARTA and encourage cooperation among agencies.

She stressed that Executive Order 293 of the Revised Administrative Code of the 1987 grants the CSC the power to inspect and audit the personnel actions and programs of the departments, agencies, bureaus, offices, local government units and other instrumentalities of the government, including government-owned and controlled corporations.

The CSC ARTA Watch spot inspection held June 25 - 28 was led by Gonzaga with members of the media in Capiz and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

On the first day of the monitoring, they monitored the office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Capiz on McKinley Street.

Gonzaga also urged the offices with front line services to comply with the mandate under the said law for the welfare of the public.

Roxas health office launches anti-smoking drive

By Jemin Guillermo

ROXAS CITY - To save more Capizeños, especially the young ones, from the ills of smoking, the Capiz Provincial Health Officer recently launched anti-smoking campaigns.

June Regalado, coordinator of the Provincial Health Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control Program, said local government units (LGUs) in Capiz have launched an intensive campaign against smoking.

Various initiatives are put in place, such as the passing and strict enforcement of the smoke-free ordinance by the different LGUs, which has gained national recognition and awards, she said.

For the second year now, the Department of Health (DOH) recognized Roxas City for its no-nonsense drive and initiatives against smoking, and compliance with the requirements set by the agency.

The municipality of Dumalag also received the Red Orchid Award this year, while Panay garnered the Pink Orchis Award for placing second in the said competition last year.

Regalado said the establishment of the Smoking Cesation Clinic at the Roxas City Health Office is designed to those who choose to quit smoking and participate in the anti-smoking drive.

Recently, Capiz has launched the Sponge Campaign, another anti-smoking drive in partnership with the DOH and the World Lung Foundation (WLF). It aims to inform the public about the serious health impact and dangers of tobacco use, which will eventually motivate Capizeños to stop smoking.

Besides continuous and intensive interpersonal communication, local radio and television networks were also tapped to help in the advocacy.

Further, Capiz is recognized by the DOH and WLF as one of the eight pilot provinces as one of the model LGUs for tobacco control in the Philippines, along with Misamis Occidental, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Oriental Mindoro, Nueva Viscaya, Negros Oriental and Agusan del Sur.

The campaign also forms part of the Capiz's No Smoking Month celebration this June.